Intro
Let's face it, we've all experienced it, you've got places to go, you get in your Mitsubishi, turn the key, and … drum roll please … absolutely nothing! Your Mitsubishi wont fire up! This an extremely bothersome situation, but don't worry, we've got you covered. There are lots and lots of causes why your Mitsubishi will not start, and within this article, to save you time we'll go over the most common explanations along with provide you useful solutions to get your car back on the road ASAP!
If you're limited by time, instead of reading, you’re always welcome to speak to a live mechanic 24×7 and get instant help and guidance on figuring out what it is and solving the problem, by clicking the “ask a mechanic” button in the bottom right of this page.
Understanding the Problem
Before we get stuck into the causes and solutions it's important to first have a grasp of the issue. When you realize to yourself “my Mitsubishi won't start”, this could be due to a multitude of issues being wrong with your car. Perhaps the engine is not cranking at all, perhaps it is cranking partially however then not starting, or possibly it's making a clicking sound when you attempt to start the engine, but in the end, absolutely nothing happens. Each of these situations can point to different issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Mitsubishi Won't Start
There are numerous reasons a Mitsubishi fails to start up. These issues usually consist of a dead or weak vehicle battery, a faulty alternator, starter motor problems, and fuel system failures, in addition to electrical or wiring failures. Each one of these problems can show up as various symptoms and require separate solutions to troubleshoot and resolve, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.
Symptoms of a Mitsubishi That Won't Start
Being able to identify and diagnose these signs, will assist you in discovering the root cause of the problem. For instance, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise but your Mitsubishi still won't start, it is often an indication that there is an issue with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Mitsubishi Won't Start
The very first step to finding a solution to the problem is knowing the root cause of that problem, so let's look into the most typical factors why your Mitsubishi won't start.
Mitsubishi Battery Issues
In most instances, the most common reason why your Mitsubishi can't start is often because of the battery, it's either weak or dead, and you need to either charge the battery or replace it. The vehicle's battery provides the power required to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Mitsubishi. Signs of a weak or dead battery issue in a Mitsubishi can be things like the vehicle being slow to crank the engine, dim headlights, or a lit-up battery warning light on your car's dash.
Mitsubishi Alternator Problems
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery from the engine while the vehicle is running. A broken alternator can certainly prevent your Mitsubishi from starting as it will not be able to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will drain all the way down until it's totally dead and you only realize it when you can't get your Mitsubishi to fire up. Signs that your Mitsubishi's alternator may be faulty include a lit up battery or alternator warning light on the dash, poorly lit headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while its running.
Mitsubishi Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Mitsubishi, the starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is defective in some manner then the engine may not crank, and your Mitsubishi can't start. You can tell if your starter motor has an issue or not usually by listening, if you hear a clicking noise when you turn the key or a grinding noise during the startup, or your vehicle can start, but only intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Mitsubishi Fuel System Complications
Now we're not talking about when you simply run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having problems. Your Mitsubishi uses a combustion engine, and for that reason to start and run, it needs a mix of enough fuel and air. If your Mitsubishi problems are the result of a faulty fuel system, this can sometimes be a clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel pump relay, which could suggest the engine may not be receiving the fuel it requires to get the car going.
Mitsubishi Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Mitsubishi vehicles rely greatly on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break. Even in an older vehicle, you can have fairly normal issues such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a faulty ignition switch, or a faulty sensor and more. These can be some of the numerous electrical reasons your car won't start. Indications of a circuitry or electrical issue can vary vastly however can typically include the engine not cranking, or your Mitsubishi can start but just intermittently, or various alert lights come on the car’s dash. To correctly identify and fix these kinds of issues, you will require the skills of an experienced car mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
As soon as you have determined what the cause of your Mitsubishi failing to start is. The next step is obviously to try and repair it. Here are some suggestions for the typical issues we've covered so far.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Mitsubishi
If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the cause of your troubles, then the first thing you should do is inspect the battery and check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded and firmly connected. If you discover that the terminals are indeed corroded you can try to clean them up with a mix of baking soda and water. You will need to replace the battery if it's old or weak, otherwise even if you charge it up enough to start the vehicle, it will probably run out of life again in the not-so-distant future. You can use a multimeter as a way to test the life of the battery to see if it’s worth saving or if it needs replacing. You can ask a reliable car mechanic online or locally to best advise you on this.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Mitsubishi
If the alternator is what you suspect is the culprit, you can test it. If you can get the car to start up temporarily (you may need to jump start the car for that), but when it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while its running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. It's most likely because of a fault with the alternator if you find your Mitsubishi dies pretty quickly when you disconnect the positive terminal. You should be aware however that this method can be risky and dangerous, and might damage the sensitive electronic components in your Mitsubishi, so it's best to consult with an experienced car mechanic in your area or online, before ever attempting this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Mitsubishi
If you hear the clicking sound when you try and start the car by turning the key, but the engine doesn't crank, then its likely a problem with your starter motor. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.
How to Deal With Fuel System Complications in a Mitsubishi
If you think the issue is because of a fuel system problem, try and listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting up the vehicle. You should hear a humming sound for a couple of seconds. It might be there is an issue with the fuel pump if you are unable to hear this noise. If you discover your Mitsubishi is tough to start, it stalls, or it has bad acceleration, it could possibly be down to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require a reliable car mechanic in order to effectively fix.
How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Problems in a Mitsubishi
If you suspect it's a wiring or electrical system problem, initially check the fuses associated with the ignition system, and change any that have actually blown. If your Mitsubishi starts after this, then it was a successful, cheap and simple repair! If the car does not start, even intermittently, it could be a problem with the ignition switch itself. If various warning lights show up on your dashboard, it might be because of a damaged sensor. These problems can be very intricate and a professional car mechanic is most likely needed to identify and fix it.
Preventive Steps
As my father always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to ensure you avoid any Mitsubishi starting troubles ever again!
Regular Upkeep of Your Mitsubishi:
Regular maintenance of your Mitsubishi is essential to avoid future problems. This consists of things like regular oil changes, checking the battery, cleaning up the terminals, changing the fuel filter as advised/needed, and having your Mitsubishi checked by a professional car mechanic routinely. If you are uncertain about the regular maintenance tasks required for your particular car, you can consult a mechanic in your area or online.
Drive Your Mitsubishi Regularly:
If you happen to leave your Mitsubishi in the driveway for extended periods of time without driving it, the battery will run out of charge as it's not receiving any electrical charge from the engine running being in use. Try to drive your vehicle regularly to keep the battery full of juice. If you remember you haven't driven your car in a while, take it for a spin to ensure there is still a charge in the battery. Worth noting: letting the battery totally drain, is also damaging to the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.
Take Notice Of Warning Signs:
If you observe anything weird like unusual noises, a difference in driving and performance, or alert lights showing on the dash, don't disregard them. These are usually early warnings of a problem and it’s best to be addressed ASAP before they become much bigger problems later. Speak to a car mechanic locally or online about these issues and find out if they need to be dealt with.
When to Ask a Mitsubishi Mechanic Online
If you're either limited on time, want an expert Mitsubishi mechanic on hand guiding and advising you, or you've tried to resolve it by yourself, but in spite of your best efforts your Mitsubishi won't start, then chatting with a Mitsubishi mechanic online can be a great choice.
Benefits of Online Mechanic Solutions
Online mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, offer several benefits. You can get skilled Mitsubishi mechanic recommendations 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is especially useful if your car won't start and is stuck in the driveway. It can also help you save money as online mechanic consultations are much more affordable than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get the answer quickly, which is great if you're in a rush, need a second opinion, or you simply prefer having an expert Mitsubishi mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Assist You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with certified specialist mechanics who can supply instantaneous assistance, guidance and suggestions. You're able to describe the problems you are having with your car, ask a Mitsubishi mechanic limitless questions, and even submit pictures and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can talk with them by means of online chat or by phone call, whichever you choose. The Mitsubishi mechanic online will help you identify the issue, advise you on what are the best options for your specific scenario and even assist you through simple maintenance and repair work step by step.
Conclusion
To summarize when your Mitsubishi won't start, it will likely be a major downer and a huge inconvenience. However, having an understanding of what may be triggering the issues, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are needed in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a huge help. Bear in mind that routine upkeep is crucial for preventing all vehicle issues.
Should you need more car advice despite this article, don't hesitate to use our mechanic chat service, it's open 24/7 and 365 days a year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Mitsubishi doesn’t start?
First of all, do not panic. Try to identify any signs that might show an issue, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the problem is likely among the main causes gone over in this guide. If you can't find the problem yourself, you will need the assistance of a Mitsubishi mechanic in your area or online.
How to tell if my Mitsubishi won't start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery issue in a Mitsubishi consist of the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on the dash. You can also check the battery terminals to see if they are clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. If the battery is weak or old, it may be best to simply change it.
How can I prevent my Mitsubishi not starting issues?
In order to make sure this inconvenience never ever occurs once again, routine upkeep is crucial. This includes things like oil changes, examining the battery and cleaning its terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and having your Mitsubishi inspected by a mechanic routinely. It's also a great idea to drive the vehicle routinely so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Mitsubishi won't start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can provide immediate professional Mitsubishi mechanic assistance and guidance, without you having to leave your house. This is especially beneficial if your vehicle won't start and is stuck in the driveway.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Mitsubishi can't start?
We link you with accredited professional Mitsubishi mechanics who can offer suggestions on your particular situation. You can tell them about your vehicle problems, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can appropriately describe and show the problem. The mechanic will be able to assist, troubleshoot, diagnose the problem, suggest the best course of action, and guide you along the way.
